Final answer:
Irina, a lacto-ovo-vegetarian, does not eat meat but includes dairy and eggs in her diet. This diet can be healthy if diverse plant-based proteins and other nutrients are adequately included. Vegans, who exclude all animal products, must carefully combine various plant foods to ensure complete protein intake.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian Diets and Protein Sources
Irina is defined as a lacto-ovo-vegetarian, a person who consumes plant foods, dairy products, and eggs, but excludes meat from their diet. This lifestyle choice can be based on health reasons, ethical beliefs, religious principles, or environmental concerns. To ensure a balanced intake of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, vegetarians especially vegans who do not consume dairy or eggs must eat a variety of plant-based proteins.
Although individual plant foods may lack complete proteins, consuming a diverse assortment of plant-based foods such as potatoes, beans, seeds, nuts, and soy can provide a full range of essential amino acids. These nutrients are also found in high amounts in dairy products and eggs, which are included in a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, aiding in rounding out the necessary protein intake. It is essential, however, for vegetarians and vegans to be mindful of other nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin D, which can be less abundant in plant-based diets without proper planning and awareness.